Hofstra Named as Inaugural Dean of Cornerstone’s School of Education & Human Services
Cornerstone is pleased to announce the appointment of alumna Dr. Kimberly Hofstra (Ed.D. ’21) as dean of Cornerstone University’s School of Education & Human Services. Her promotion became effective on June 1, 2023.
Hoftsra’s newest role builds upon and continues her 31 years of career service as an award-winning educator. For 26 years, Hofstra served hundreds of students and families in West Michigan as a preschool teacher, teacher supervisor and elementary educator. With research interests in teacher self-efficacy, the diffusion of innovation and school leadership, Hofstra joined the Cornerstone faculty in 2018 where she has taught courses in early childhood education, facilitated the university’s School Observation Practicum and Teacher Assistant Practicum, and developed courses to train and equip the next generation of teachers. In 2022, Hofstra received Cornerstone’s Faculty Excellence Award.
“Dr. Hofstra’s calm, steady and competent leadership style has served her well as both a classroom teacher in Grand Rapids and as a leader within the Teacher Education Division of Cornerstone University,” Dr. Bradford Sample, vice president for academics and chief academic officer said. “Dr. Hofstra’s understanding of and experience in K-12 education has been of great benefit to recent graduates since her arrival at Cornerstone in 2018. Her collaborative leadership style and emphasis on excellence will enable The School of Education & Human Services to continue to thrive in the coming years.”
Hofstra earned a Doctor of Education in organizational leadership and development from Cornerstone University. Her capstone project titled “Impact of Leadership Behaviors on Teacher Self-Efficacy during the Implementation of Scripted Curriculum” researched the relationship between leadership styles and effectiveness among educators. In addition, she holds a Master of Education in early childhood with a ZA Endorsement from Grand Valley State University and a bachelor’s in elementary education from Calvin University. Her professional memberships include the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children.
Outside of the classroom, Hofstra’s community involvement includes both academic service and volunteer ministry roles. At Cornerstone, she participates on the Teacher Education Steering committee and International Programs committee. In Grand Rapids, she volunteers as the vice president for the GEMS Board of Directors, serves as a GEMS Club Coordinator at her church and provides GEMS leadership training.
“I am humbled and honored to have been selected to serve as dean of The School of Education & Human Services!” Hofstra shared. “I’m excited for the opportunity to use the knowledge and gifts God has granted me in leadership and discernment. I look forward to working with administrators, faculty and staff to create and promote innovative strategies to advance Cornerstone’s mission of ‘influencing the world for Christ.’”
As dean of The School of Education & Human Services, Hofstra will oversee and direct curriculum development, supervise faculty and model the university’s foundational Biblical commitments, ensuring their integration in the schools’ programs and outcomes.
To learn more about The School of Education & Human Services, request information online or call the Admissions Office at 616.949.5300 to speak with an enrollment counselor today.
